Interregional Cooperation Forum justified itself - Kazakh FM Y. Kazykhanov

19:34, 13 May 2011

ALMATY. May 13. KAZINFORM /Yekaterina Ionova/ "We have already started preparation for the 8th Interregional Cooperation Forum. I think such format of interaction has already justified itself", Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov said following the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Almaty today.

According to him, the regular Forum will take place in Astrakhan this autumn. An exposition and meetings at various levels will be organized during it. "Initially, the Forum was established on the basis of cooperation of the near-border regions of the two countries. Today we see that such format of cooperation is being expanded, and, to my mind, we should involve other regions in it. For example, Almaty and Astana cities, Moscow and Saint Petersburg", the Kazakh Minister said.

Kazakhstan shares 7, 500 km of border with Russia. "This is the longest border between two continental states. Besides, this is the border of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the countries which have raised their relations to the level of strategic partnership", Kazykhanov added.

In S. Lavrov's opinion, the initial goal of the Forum was provision of political support to the near-border regions of Kazakhstan and Russia. To date, the Forum attracts more and more participants from both sides. "It is a natural process. It is quite effective, and it benefits both countries", the Russian Minister resumed.

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